As part of Intel’s ongoing efforts to align our healthcare offerings with the needs of our employees and the company, we periodically review our benefit plans to ensure they continue to remain effective and sustainable. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to discontinue Kaiser Permanente Connected Care, Kaiser Permanente HMO, and Kaiser Permanente DHMO plans, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Review the additional information below to prepare you for the transition and help you make well-informed decisions about your healthcare benefits.
Why is Intel discontinuing Kaiser plans?
- Intel periodically reviews benefit plans to ensure they remain effective and sustainable for both employees and the company. After careful consideration, this decision aligns our healthcare offerings with evolving needs.
When do Kaiser plans end?
- All Kaiser Permanente medical and dental plans in Oregon and California will be discontinued on Jan. 1, 2027.
Which Kaiser plans are being discontinued?
- Kaiser Permanente Connected Care (OR), Kaiser Permanente HMO (CA) and Kaiser Permanente DHMO (OR) plans will all end Dec. 31, 2026.
I'm currently enrolled in Kaiser. What are my options for 2026?
- You can either continue with your current Kaiser plan for 2026 or switch to a non-Kaiser plan during 2026 Annual Enrollment.
Can I switch between different Kaiser plans in 2026?
- No, switching between Kaiser plans will not be permitted during 2026 Annual Enrollment or through qualifying life events.
I'm not currently in a Kaiser Permanente plan. Can I enroll in a Kaiser plan for 2026?
- No, employees not currently enrolled in Kaiser cannot enroll in any Kaiser plans during 2026 Annual Enrollment or through qualifying life events.
Will my Kaiser plan costs change in 2026?
Yes, there will be increases to paycheck deductions, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums for Kaiser Connected Care Oregon HDHP, Kaiser Connected Care Oregon Copay, Kaiser California HMO, and Kaiser Oregon DHMO plans. View the Health Option Comparison and Annual Paycheck Deductions sections of your Annual Enrollment Guide.
What happens in 2027?
- All employees must enroll in a non-Kaiser plan during 2027 Annual Enrollment for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Will I have to change doctors, dentists and/or providers?
Yes in order to receive maximum benefit coverage, since Kaiser providers will be out-of-network for all Intel plans starting in 2027, you'll need to find new in-network providers.
If you continue to utilize Kaiser providers after Dec. 31, 2026, it may cost you more because out-of-network providers are not contracted to provide discounted services to members, and services are covered at the lower out-of-network benefit level.
Key details:
- When: Jan. 1, 2027
- Why: Kaiser providers won't be covered in-network under any Intel healthcare plans starting in 2027
- What to do: You'll need to select new in-network providers under your chosen Intel healthcare or dental plan if you want to maximize your coverage benefits.
What support will Intel provide during this transition?
- Intel is committed to providing information and support to help you navigate this transition. This page will continuously be updated as more information and resources become available. Additional resources can be found here.
When should I start planning for the change?
- You can begin exploring alternative plans and providers now. Depending on your needs, you may choose to switch to a new plan for 2026, or use 2026 to prepare for a full transition in 2027.
How do I find new doctors and providers?
- During the annual enrollment, you’ll receive information about in-network providers for available non-Kaiser plans. Please see these additional resources to learn about your options and available support during the transition.
Step 1: Evaluate your medical needs
- Review your current treatment plan, medications, and provider relationships.
- If you have complex or acute care needs, consider whether staying with Kaiser for 2026 is the best option.
- Understand if Transition of Care (TOC) is applicable to your medical needs.
- If you decide to transition (whether for 2026 or 2027), begin planning early to avoid gaps in care before year-end.
Step 2: Maintenance prescriptions
To make sure you have the medications you need during the transition:
- Refill your maintenance medications from Kaiser in December, before your current plan ends.
- Ask the Kaiser Pharmacy Tech if there is an option to refill the medication for a 3-month supply, even if it comes with higher retail cost share.
- Request your Kaiser provider to renew your prescription for 3-6 months, so you’ll have refills available when you transfer the prescription to a new pharmacy.
- Transferring prescriptions to a new pharmacy:
- Most non-controlled medications with refills can be transferred between pharmacies by a licensed pharmacist.
- The new pharmacy (where you want to fill the prescription) will contact your Kaiser pharmacy to complete the transfer.
- You will need to provide the filling pharmacy with:
- Name and telephone number of your Kaiser pharmacy
- Medication details and Rx number (found on your pill bottle, which should be taken with you to the pharmacy, or on kp.org under the “Pharmacy” section).
- Visit a pharmacy covered by your new plan when coverage becomes effective (1/1/2026 or 1/1/2027).
See below, for more information on medications including pharmacy locations:
For Anthem Plans and Connected Care California:
- Visit Express Scripts’ Open Enrollment Site at: Express Scripts (Open Enrollment). For additional support, contact an Express Scripts representative at (855) 315-4523.
For Connected Care Providence Plans (Oregon)
- Contact Providence directly. Transition of Care resources for Providence are available on Circuit.
This process helps ensure you have a supply of your medications while your new treatment plan and providers are being established.
Step 3: Request prior authorizations
- Identify any medications or treatments that require prior authorization.
- Contact your new medical carrier on or after December 15 (Anthem, Providence, or Connected Care California) to:
- Start the prior authorization process
- Submit necessary documentation
- Ensure continuity of coverage for these treatments
Step 4: Transfer medical records
- Authorize Kaiser to release your medical records to your new carrier. (On or after December 15)
- This helps:
- Avoid repeating step therapies
- Maintain continuity in your treatment plan
- Ensure your medical history is available to new providers
Step 5: Establish care with new providers
- Use the Provider Search Tool to locate your new carrier’s provider directory to find:
- Primary care physicians (PCPs)
- Specialists
- Schedule initial appointments early in 2026/2027 (depending on transition year, after receiving your new ID card).
- Be prepared for some baseline testing, but your transferred records will help reduce redundancy.
Step 6: Monitor the transition
- Contact your new plan to confirm that:
- Prescriptions are active and fillable
- Authorizations are approved
- Appointments are scheduled
- Keep a personal copy of all documents.
Additional Tips
- For complex cases, consider requesting a case manager from your new carrier.
- Keep track of deadlines for open enrollment and paperwork submissions.
What is Transition of Care (TOC)?
- Transition of Care (TOC) allows eligible members to continue receiving treatment for a specific conditions or procedures during a change in coverage from Kaiser providers, for a specified period of time. This support is provided directly from your new medical plan.
- Due to Kaiser’s model, the only way members can access care with a Kaiser Permanente provider after coverage terminates (end-of-year 2026 or 2027 depending on when you transition) is through an approved transition of care/continuity of care agreement between Kaiser and the new medical plan.
- Transition of Care (TOC) process can be initiated by the member:
- Transitioning for 1/1/2026-begin TOC process on or after Dec. 15, 2025
- Transitioning for 1/1/2027-begin TOC process on or after Dec. 15, 2026
Who is eligible for Transition of Care (TOC)?
Understand if you may be eligible for a Transition of Care (TOC) plan:
- The member must have a qualifying condition approved by both Kaiser and your new plan, and approval is typically granted for a limited timeframe (e.g., 90 days).
- Examples of qualifying conditions include:
- Undergoing a course of treatment for a serious and complex condition, which may be:
- An acute condition requiring specialized treatment to avoid death or permanent damage, or
- A chronic illness or condition that is:
- Life-threatening, degenerative potentially disabling, or congenital, and
- Requires specialized care over a prolonged period
- Institutionalized or receiving inpatient care
- Scheduled for nonelective surgery, including postoperative care
- Pregnant (e.g., third trimester, high-risk pregnancy)
- Terminally ill
- Only the member approved for a TOC qualifies for continued care with their Kaiser providers during the TOC approved timeframe.
Are all medical services and treatments covered under an approved Transition of Care (TOC)?
- TOC only applies to the medical services and treatments related to the condition specifically outlined as approved on the TOC application. All unrelated medical services (e.g., PCP visits, immunizations, injury, general care) would need to be scheduled with the receiving plan (e.g., Anthem, Providence, Connected Care CA).
- Only the member approved for a TOC qualifies for continued care with their Kaiser providers during the TOC approved timeframe.
How do I initiate Transition of Care (TOC) with a New Carrier?
- After selecting a new medical plan, reach out to your new plan’s member services (on or after December 15) to begin TOC (see plan-specific resources below). This process is initiated by the member.
- Request TOC paperwork and complete it as soon as possible
- This allows the new carrier to:
- Contact Kaiser on your behalf
- Retrieve your medical records
- Assist in finding new providers and specialists
Transition of Care (TOC) resources for each New Carrier
Transition of Care (TOC) support
- All TOC support will be provided directly by your new medical plan to protect your privacy.
Transition of Care (TOC) Claims/Billing
- How is billing handled once I am approved for TOC? Examples of qualifying conditions include:
- Once approved for TOC, claims biling is coordinated between Kaiser and your new plan.
- Kaiser provider services are billed by your new plan as in-network.
- Your new plan’s cost-share (the portion you are responsible for) applies (e.g., co-pays, deductibles, out of pocket maximums).
- If you have additional billing questions, please contact your new plan.
What medical plans will be available for 2026?
How do the 2026 healthcare benefits compare in terms of cost and coverage?
View the Health Option Comparison and Annual Paycheck Deductions sections of your Annual Enrollment Guide.
If I am in the middle of long-term care when the transition period ends on Dec. 31, 2026, what happens to my treatment plan?
- You will no longer have access to the Kaiser Permanente network on Jan. 1, 2027. If you expect to need on-going treatment (i.e., family planning or chronic illness management), you can choose to transition your treatment beginning Jan. 1, 2026, by selecting an alternative medical plan during 2026 Annual Enrollment (Oct. 13 – 31, 2025) or you can wait until 2027 Annual Enrollment and transition your care on Jan. 1, 2027. If you prefer to wait to begin your treatment under one provider, the concierge can help you navigate your specific situation. To learn more contact the Kaiser transition care team.
What happens to my Extra Bucks if I move from the Kaiser HDHP to an alternative HDHP plan?
- Your Extra Bucks will transfer over to your new HDHP plan. If you enroll in a non-HDHP (e.g., HMO, Co-pay plan) plan, you will lose your Extra Bucks.
Can I still access Intel’s Health for Life Centers (HFLC)?
- Yes, all Intel blue-badge employees (general full time, part time, Intel Contract and interns) from any U.S. location are eligible to use the on-site Health for Life Center services and programs. Dependents of blue-badge employees are also still eligible, provided they are enrolled in a medical plan option under the Intel Corporation Health and Welfare Benefit Plan.
What dental plans will be offered for 2026?
How do the 2026 dental benefits compare in terms of cost and coverage?
View the Health Option Comparison and Annual Paycheck Deductions sections of your Annual Enrollment Guide.
Planning long term dental care (orthodontia, root canal, bridge work, etc...)?
Consider the alternate dental options for 2026 to avoid disruption in your treatment plan.
If I am in the middle of long-term dental care (orthodontia, root canal, bridge work, etc...) when the transition period ends on Dec. 31, 2026, what happens to my treatment plan?
- A dental transition of care plan may allow you to continue receiving ongoing, multi-visit dental treatment. To learn more contact the Oregon Kaiser transition care team.
- You will no longer have access to the Kaiser Permanente network on Jan. 1, 2027. You can choose to transition your treatment beginning Jan. 1, 2026, by selecting a Delta Dental plan during 2026 Annual Enrollment (Oct. 13 – 31, 2025) or you can wait until 2027 Annual Enrollment and transition your care on Jan. 1, 2027. If you prefer to wait to begin your treatment under one provider, the concierge can help you navigate your specific situation.
California EPO (HMO) Plan: How do I obtain access to my medical records?
- Northern CA HMO (EPO) Plan: If you need a copy of your medical record for yourself or those you care for – or to share with another health care provider – you can:
- Download a summary copy that includes allergies, immunizations, ongoing health conditions, medications, test results, and some procedures. Download your health summary here >>
- Request to have a detailed copy sent to you through secure email within 5 days or less. Request your medical record >>
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Release of Medical Information (ROMI) department at 925-210-8834 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Southern CA HMO (EPO) Plan: If you need a copy of your medical record for yourself or those you care for, or to share with another health care provider, you can:
- Download a summary copy that includes allergies, immunizations, ongoing health conditions, medications, test results, and some procedures. Download your health summary >>
- Request to have a detailed copy sent to you through secure email within 5 days or less. Request your medical record >>
- Contact the Release of Information Department in your area if you have questions or need help >>
Northwest Region Copay and HDHP Plans: How do I obtain access to my medical records?
- Northwest Connected Care Plans (Copay and HDHP): If you need a copy of your medical record for yourself or those you care for – or to share with another health care provider – you can:
- Download a summary copy that includes allergies, immunizations, ongoing health conditions, medications, test results, procedures, and more. Download health summary here >>
- Request a detailed copy of your medical record to be sent to you by secure email within 5 days or less. Request your medical record >>
- Request imaging records (x-rays, scans, ultrasounds), except for dental or eye films, from the Imaging department. Call 503-571-8451 for information.
- For dental or eye images only, please send your request to the Release of Information (ROI) department at nw.roi@kp.org or call 503-571-5051. The ROI department discloses images via email or a download portal. Here are links to helpful documents for accessing images through the portal: Patient Guide and PowerShare Mobile App.
Will former KP members continue to have access to kp.org?
- Former members have access to their records for seven years. However, other functionalities are inaccessible. For more information, please reach out to the Kaiser Team.